Dr. George Newby Jr.

Obituary For Dr. George Newby Jr.

Dr. George Newby, Jr.

On September 22, 1956 George Paul Archie Newby Jr. was born in Elizabeth City, North Carolina to the late George Paul Archie Newby Sr. and the late Alma McIntyre Newby and immediately and forever became the gleam in their eyes.

Archie Jr. as he was known at home was a smart, fun loving, friendly child and those qualities would define him for a lifetime. He had an infectious, warm smile and personality that let you know he cared about you when in your presence. He was George to most who met him after college and in his professional life, Dr. Newby to his students and affectionately known as Bird, as coined by his fraternity, throughout his college life.

Archie excelled in school and attended The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for his undergraduate studies majoring in Zoology. It was there in Chapel Hill that he met the love of his life, Bonita Carol Perkins. They were blessed from the beginning with a genuine friendship and a love from which fairy tales are made. With 39 years of marriage she was unequivocally the love of his life. They were blessed with two sons, Jonathan Alan and Joshua Michael who were his pride and joy. In July 2017, Jonathan married Alysha Kiffin-Bruce who immediately became the daughter they never had. George affectionately called her “Sweetums.”

Nothing gave him more pleasure than spending time with family and friends. He and his sister, Alison, shared a special bond that was evident to all.

George was gifted in so many areas, After graduating from UNC-CH, George obtained a Master of Public Health from Yale University and later a Doctor of Public Health from The University of South Carolina. He dedicated his professional life to “serving the least of these” in seeking accessible healthcare for all. After working in hospitals for several years he changed his focus to community health. He moved to Spartanburg to serve as CEO of ReGenesis Community Health Center. Under his leadership the health center grew to eight locations and a dental office. After receiving his doctorate, he entered the world of academia to pursue his passion for teaching by becoming an adjunct professor at USC Upstate. In this capacity he hoped to ignite that same desire in his students.

George was an avid sports fan and on weekends could be found at church, smoking something delectable on his Big Green Egg or watching sports. Football season was his Christmas and anyone watching a game with him needed earphones as he screamed at the screen. George loved God and exemplified what it meant to be a godly man. He began each morning by bringing his wife a cup of coffee and then spending time in fellowship with his Heavenly Father. He and Bonita NEVER left the house in the morning without prayer first. George was active in every church he joined whether it was singing in the choir or serving as a Deacon or Trustee. Most recently he served as a trustee at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Spartanburg, SC where he chaired the church’s recent expansion, the Nehemiah Project.

In the community he served as well. He worked with numerous boards and several community organizations address health care disparities. He was a charter member of the Mu Zeta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. at UNC-CH and was affiliated with several chapters throughout the years.

On October 17, 2020 George transitioned to his eternal home.

In addition to his loving wife, sons, daughter-in-law, and sister, cherishing his memories are: his mother-in-law, Carolyn Perkins; sister-in-law, Dr. Jean Perkins Blackley (Donnie); niece, Sonja Little; and so very many cousins, fraternity brothers and friends.

When you think of a life well lived, Dr. George Paul Archie Newby Jr. personified that. There is no doubt that he was welcomed into heaven with a resounding “Well done my good and faithful servant.”

Oh, what a remarkable son, husband, father, brother, and man indeed!

Due to Covid concerns the family will be having a private service. The service will be live-streamed beginning at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, October 23, 2020 on Youtube. Search for: Memorial Service for Dr. George Newby Jr.

Dr. Newby will lie in state on Thursday, October 22, 2020 from 1:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at The John Stinson Woodward Memorial Chapel, 602 Howard St., Spartanburg, SC. Due to Covid concerns, the family will not be present.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Nehemiah Project (Building Fund) of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, P.O. Box 6001, Spartanburg, SC 29304. ..

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